Altarpiece of the Kings, Baroque altarpiece in Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico
The Altarpiece of the Kings is a large-scale Baroque work in Mexico City's cathedral, built with elaborately designed columns and religious figures arranged across multiple levels. Its structure combines architectural ornaments with painted depictions of sacred scenes positioned at the center.
This work was designed and built between 1718 and 1737 by Jerónimo de Balbás, who brought knowledge from earlier work on Spanish churches. It was created during a period when the Baroque style reached its peak in New Spain and the cathedral aimed to reflect the religious and political power of the colony.
The artwork displays canonized saints and figures venerated in the Catholic faith, reflecting how religious devotion was made visible in the cathedral. The arranged figures tell of the spiritual values that shaped life during the colonial period.
The work is located in the cathedral's royal chapel and is accessible during regular opening hours. It is advisable to visit the chapel outside of religious services and special ceremonies to view the work undisturbed.
The work contains paintings by Juan Rodríguez Juárez, including the Adoration of the Magi and the Assumption of the Virgin, positioned along the central axis. These paintings come from an important 18th-century artist and form the emotional center of the entire composition.
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